Lightweight compact reusable anchoring apparatus

ABSTRACT

An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft such as an inflatable boat, raft, floating air mattress, recreational inner tube, floating lounge chair, and the like. The anchoring apparatus includes a generally hollow anchor portion having a closable opening. The closable opening is configured for the removable introduction of weighing material in the anchor portion. An anchor line is secured to the anchor portion and extends therefrom. The anchor line is removably securable to a pneumatic watercraft.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/225,521 filed Aug. 15, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to anchoring apparatus for watercraft, and more particularly to a lightweight and compact anchoring apparatus suitable for use with pneumatic watercraft such as inflatable boats, rafts, floating air mattresses, recreational inner tubes, floating lounge chairs, and the like.

[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0005] A wide variety of pneumatic watercraft are utilized for recreational purposes such as floating or navigating in a body of water. Such watercraft include, for example, inflatable boats, rafts, floating mattresses, recreational inner tubes, floating lounge chairs, and the like. Such watercraft are utilized in many different bodies of water ranging from completely man-made environments, such as a swimming pool or diving tank, for example, to any of a number of natural bodies of water such as lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, and oceans.

[0006] Typically, such pneumatic watercraft are stored and transported in a fully deflated manner so as to permit substantially space-saving storage and an easy to carry, lightweight, and compact configuration during transport by users. Upon reaching a body of water, a user can inflate the watercraft by manually blowing air into an aperture or by utilizing automated equipment to accomplish the same. A principal advantage of pneumatic watercraft over other structurally rigid alternatives is the ability to deflate the watercraft into an incredibly compact and lightweight configuration during storage and transport.

[0007] Often times, such as when a user is on a floating mattress or lounge chair, for example, he or she may be in deep sleep or relaxation. Users typically lie down, read, and otherwise relax in watercraft for several hours. This may be particularly desirable, for example, where a user is pursuing a suntan. Unfortunately, pneumatic watercraft are particularly subject to drifting in a body of water due to wave action, currents, and wind forces. In fact, even a slight breeze is often enough to cause pneumatic watercraft, such as an inflatable floating mattress to drift substantially in a relatively short period of time. As such, a user must remain alert and actively participate in keeping the watercraft in position, such as by paddling, for example, to prevent the watercraft from drifting. In many instances, such as in a crowded public swimming pool, for example, proper etiquette requires that a user maintain a set distance apart from other users. In natural bodies of water, such as a lake or river, inattention to positioning watercraft can be dangerous, as a user can Unintentionally be carried a substantial distance by currents, wave action, and wind.

[0008] Several different types of anchoring systems are known that assist in keeping watercraft in position in a body of water. These devices, however, are structured for use in rigid watercraft and are not practical for use with pneumatic watercraft such as inflatable boats, rafts, floating mattresses, recreational inner tubes, floating lounge chairs, and the like. Additionally, traditional boat anchors are constructed of substantially heavy material, such as lead, for example, and are often formed with a catching mechanism, such as a sharp point, to securely anchor the watercraft to a bottom surface of a natural body of water.

[0009] A particular feature of pneumatic watercraft that appeals to users is that such watercraft can be deflated and folded for substantially lightweight and compact storage and transport. Existing anchoring systems, however, are oriented principally towards rigid watercraft and are substantially heavy to transport and do not provide a lightweight, foldable, and easy-to-carry configuration.

[0010] Another disadvantage of existing anchoring systems is that they are oriented for use principally in large natural bodies of water. Man-made surfaces, such as the bottom of a swimming pool or diving tank, for example, are particularly susceptible to damage from existing anchoring systems.

[0011] Accordingly, there is an established need for a lightweight and compact anchoring apparatus that is particularly suitable for use with pneumatic watercraft such as inflatable boats, rafts, floating air mattresses, recreational inner tubes, floating lounge chairs, and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention is directed to a lightweight and compact anchoring apparatus that is particularly suitable for use with pneumatic watercraft such as inflatable boats, rafts, floating air mattresses, recreational inner tubes, floating lounge chairs, and the like.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight and compact anchoring apparatus configured to fold into a substantially small and space-saving configuration when not in use.

[0014] A further object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight and compact anchoring apparatus that permits a user to introduce weighing material of their choosing.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight and compact anchoring apparatus that permits users to quickly and easily adjust the weight of the anchoring apparatus by varying the density and quantity of weighing material utilized.

[0016] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight and compact anchoring apparatus that designed to be shipped without a weighted component so that it is easy and inexpensive to transport to users.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a lightweight and compact anchoring apparatus that maximizes the flexibility offered to a user by permitting them to utilize a wide variety of easily obtainable weighing materials, such as rocks and sand, for the apparatus.

[0018] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the attached drawings and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to illustrate and not to limit the invention, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the anchoring apparatus shown in an open configuration before introduction of weighing material;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the anchoring apparatus shown in a substantially closed configuration after introduction of a weighing material; and

[0022]FIG. 3 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the anchoring apparatus shown secured to a pneumatic watercraft in accordance with the present invention.

[0023] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] Shown throughout the figures, the present invention is generally directed towards a lightweight, compact, and reusable anchoring apparatus. The anchoring apparatus of the present invention is particularly suitable for use with pneumatic watercraft such as inflatable boats, rafts, floating air mattresses, recreational inner tubes, floating lounge chairs, and the like.

[0025] The anchoring apparatus 10 of the present invention includes a generally hollow anchor portion 20 as shown in FIG. 1. The anchor portion 20 should be formed of a lightweight, flexible, and pliable material so that it can be easily folded into a compact configuration for space-saving storage or transport. In the preferred embodiment, the anchor portion 20 of the anchoring apparatus 10 is formed of lightweight nylon, vinyl, rubber, plastic, or other similar materials. If desired, the anchor portion 20 can even be constructed of a mesh or open screen-like material. If this configuration is used, however, it may be necessary to also use a plastic or nylon bag liner to prevent fine weighing materials, such as sand, for example, from exiting the anchor portion 20 of the anchoring apparatus 10. Of course, instead of a mesh or screen-like material, the anchor portion 20 may be formed in a substantially watertight configuration so that the need for an additional watertight liner is eliminated.

[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the anchor portion 20 of the anchoring apparatus 10 is formed in a generally bag-shaped configuration as shown. A bottom surface 24 is preferably provided with a plurality of side walls 26 extending upwards therefrom as shown in the figures. Although the bottom surface 24 of the anchor portion 20 is depicted in a generally rectangular shape, any of a number of other shapes can be utilized including round, triangular, square, and trapezoidal configurations depending upon the size of the pneumatic watercraft 200 and specific conditions of use. It will be understood that a generally bag-shaped configuration is shown for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such a configuration is not required and a number of other shapes may be utilized to form the anchor portion 20 without departing from the present invention. It should be noted that FIG. 1 shows the hollow anchor portion 20 of the anchor apparatus 10 in an open configuration before the introduction of weighing material 100. The closed configuration of the anchor portion 20 of the anchor apparatus is shown in FIG. 2 after the introduction of weighing material 100.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the hollow anchor portion 20 of the anchoring apparatus 10 is configured with a closable opening 22 to provide for the removable introduction of weighing material 100 therein as shown in FIG. 2. Once the anchor portion is filled with weighing material 100, it may be desirable to close the opening 22 to prevent the spillage or other loss of weighing material 100 from the anchor portion 20 of the anchoring apparatus 10. As such, closing means are provided for closing the closable opening 22 of the anchor portion 20 of the anchoring apparatus 10. Several different devices may be utilized in order to provide a means of closing the anchor portion 20 of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the closing means includes a plurality of grommets 40 used in conjunction with a tie line 42 and a conventional tightening clip 44 as shown. The tightening clip 44 can be eliminated, of course, and a user can simply tie a conventional knot manually in the tie line 42 in order to close the opening 22 of the anchor portion 20 after placement of weighing material 100 therein. Alternatively, a wide variety of other fastening systems may be utilized including hook and loop fasteners, buckles, handles, snaps, buttons, and clips as long as the closable opening 22 of the anchoring portion 20 can be securely and substantially closed as shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] A particular feature of the present invention is that a wide variety of weighing materials 100 can be introduced through the closable opening 22 by a user in order to weigh down the anchor portion 20 of the anchoring apparatus 10. As best shown in FIG. 2, the weighing materials 100 may include a plurality of rocks. Alternatively, it is seen that a variety of other weighing materials 100 may be utilized such as sand, gravel, shells, and the like. Because the weighing materials 100 are not an inseparable component of the anchoring apparatus 10 as manufactured, it is seen that the transport costs associated with sending the anchoring apparatus 10 to end users is minimized. Additionally, the anchoring apparatus 10 of the present invention maximizes the flexibility offered to users by permitting them to utilize inexpensive and commonly available weighing materials 100, such as rocks, for example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0029] As shown in the figures, an anchor line 30 extends from the anchor portion 20 of the anchoring apparatus 10. The anchor line 30 may be any of a variety of known items including a rope, cord, chain, wire leader, and nylon filament, for example, without departing from the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the anchor line 30 will be a coiled cord that maintains its compact and coiled orientation until a load is applied to it. Alternatively, the anchor line 30 may be formed of monofilament fishing line or other suitable material.

[0030] The anchor line 30 includes an anchor end 32 and a watercraft end 34 as shown. Anchor securement means are provided for securing the anchor end 32 of the anchor line 30 to the anchor portion 20 of the anchoring apparatus 10. Anchor securement means may include a grommet 35 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The anchor line 30 may be secured to the grommet 35 by using well-known conventional techniques. Alternatively, a snap swivel eye hook may be utilized. Other securement means may also be utilized including a variety of known hooks, snaps, buckles, handles, clips, and other fasteners.

[0031] Watercraft securement means are provided for securing the watercraft end 34 of the anchor line 30 to a pneumatic watercraft 200, such as a floating air mattress, as shown in FIG. 3. The watercraft securement means may include a clip 38 configured to removably clasp on to the watercraft 200 as best shown in FIG. 3. The clip 38 will preferably be coated with a plastic or rubberized material so that it will not puncture or otherwise damage the pneumatic watercraft 200. If desired, a snap swivel eye hook 36 may also be used to help prevent the anchor line 30 from becoming entangled. It will be appreciated that a wide variety of other known means may be utilized to removably fasten the watercraft end 34 of the anchor line 30 to the pneumatic watercraft 200 including known hooks, snaps, buckles, handles, clips, and other fastening means. In some circumstances, it may be desirable to have a strip of material, such as a 6 inch by 2 inch strip of vinyl, for example, adhered to the surface of the pneumatic watercraft 200 to provide a fastening surface for use with known watercraft securement means. Alternatively, a hook and loop fastening system may be desirable in certain circumstances.

[0032] Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 

I claim:
 1. An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft comprising: a generally hollow anchor portion having a closable opening therein, said closable opening configured for the removable introduction of weighing material, closing means for closing said closable opening, an anchor line extending from said anchor portion and having an anchor end and a watercraft end, anchor securement means for securing said anchor end of said anchor line to said anchor portion, and watercraft securement means for securing said watercraft end of said anchor line to a pneumatic watercraft.
 2. An anchoring apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said anchor portion is generally bag-shaped.
 3. An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in claim 1 wherein said anchor portion is formed of a lightweight pliable material.
 4. An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in claim 3 wherein said anchor portion is formed of nylon.
 5. An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in claim 2 wherein said anchor portion is formed of a mesh or screen-like material.
 6. An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in claim 1 wherein said closing means comprises a plurality of grommets used in conjunction with a tie line.
 7. An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in claim 1 wherein said closing means comprises hook and loop fasteners.
 8. An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in claim 1 wherein said anchor line is a coiled cord that maintains a compact and coiled orientation until application of a load thereupon.
 9. An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in claim 1 wherein said anchor securement means includes a clip.
 10. An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft as recited in claim 9 wherein said clip includes plastic or rubberized material to prevent puncture or other damage to a pneumatic watercraft.
 11. An anchoring apparatus for anchoring pneumatic watercraft comprising: a flexible generally hollow bag-shaped anchor portion having a closable opening therein, said closable opening configured for the removable introduction of weighing material, closing means for closing said closable opening, an anchor line extending from said anchor portion and having an anchor end and a watercraft end, anchor securement means for securing said anchor end of said anchor line to said anchor portion, and watercraft securement means for securing said watercraft end of said anchor line to a pneumatic watercraft. 